Moving on . . Moving Forward

For the last 11 years, I've been working in different companies in the cable TV industry. For 11 years, I've ate, dreamed and breathed cable TV. Six years on three (Home / Sky and CableLink) cable TV providers and one program provider (Viva). It's been exciting. Very exciting actually. The industry was and still is very dynamic. With new technologies coming out and with new programming formats being introduced, there wasn't a dull moment in my 11years. Being in the entertainment industry also makes for good conversation, especially at parties hehe.

Just like any person, I wanted to learn more. Explore the unexplored. Grow as an individual and as a person in my chosen field, which is marketing.

So after 11 years in the industry which includes my 5 year stay at Viva, I decided to move on to an industry that I never imagined myself to be working for. Now I'm going to try out the banking and credit card industry. You might think that I may be a fish out of water in this situation, but I think that in order for one to grow, one must have the courage to explore new things. Most people I know were surprised that I was moving to a different industry, especially in an industry that involves numbers. God knows one of my favorite apps in my celfone is the calculator hehe.

There are a lot of new things to learn. I think I'd really have to work and put in more time study this industry so I can catch-up with my new colleagues. I'm actually looking forward to it, because to me, the industry is very interesting and exciting!

2009 has been a roller coaster ride for me and my family and I'm glad that I'm ending the year on a good note. God has blessed me and my family with a new baby (my son Sam), a own new home (we just transferred a couple of weeks ago) and a new job (me? banking / credit card? God really works in mysterious ways!)

Trifecta.

We truly are very thankful.

One more thing that I'm thankful for is . . . after 11 years, now I can stop "monitoring" and start watching TV. Hehehe!

Have a great week everyone!

:-)

A Month of Firsts

This December, me and my family will be having a lot of firsts:

- Sam's 1st Christmas - He loves looking at and grabbing the Christmas lights taped to our window. I wonder how he will react when he opens our gift?

- 1st Christmas Celebration in our New (Own) Home - We will be celebrating buena noche and our annual Christmas reunion in our house!

- 1st Garcia - Jugos Christmas Celebration - This is the 1st time that both our sides (Jan and mine) of the family will be celebrating together!

- My 1st Christmas in a New Company - I will be transferring in a new job next week. I'm actually excited!

- My 1st time to work for a different industry - I've been working for the cable tv industry for 11 years and now I'll be transferring to the credit card / banking industry. Now I can finally watch tv without working hehe!

- 1st Christmas without Tita Josie - We will surely miss her. Even when she was sick, she would still cook for us during the holidays.

Happy weekend everyone!

I just want to greet Jan a Happy 4th Wedding Anniversary! Love 'ya! :)

lilipat na . . .

Pasesnsya na kung di ako masyadong nakakapag blog. Medyo busy ako, actually, kami ni Jan preparing for our transfer to our new home. Sa totoo lang, medyo masakit sa ulo sya asikasuhin. Dumating na nga sa point na tinananong namin sa sarili namin: "Sino ba kasi ang nagsabi na bumili tayo ng bahay??".

Pero exciting din naman. Sa ngayon, nagpapagawa na kami ng mga cabinets and hopefully by Saturday or Sunday makapag-move in na kami. Hindi biro ang ganitong project. Pati sa karpentero nagkakaproblema kami. Pero ok lang. I'm sure everything will turn out fine. In the following weeks, kung may budget na, baka magpa-garahe na kami and mag pa-landscape (Bermuda grass lang hehe). Medyo mahal din kasi kaya mahirap pagsabayin. Pero ok lang, ganyan talaga pag nagsisimula. Ika nga nila, "Rome wasn't built in one day".

Nag-papack na rin kami ng mga gamit namin. Yung iba nakakahon na. Yung iba inaayos palang. At yung iba, di namin alam kung itatapon na o i-bebenta hehe. Grabe, totoo na lalabas lahat ng basura pag naglipat ng bahay.Ang dami ko na ngang biniling black bags kasi alam ko na marami na rin kaming itatapon. Problema lang, pag nakita ni Sophie yung mga gamit at nagustuhan nya, nilalabas nya ito sa box tapos sasabihin nya: "this is mine!" hehe.

Anyway, I'll post the pics of our new home as soon as we move in.

Na miss ko mag blog. Enjoy the rest of the week!

:-)

survivor fever (kaltok moment)

Jan and I were bitten by the Survivor bug! We've been watching Survivor Season 2 on GMA 7 for weeks now. Last night, while watching we had this conversation:

Me: Kung kasali tayo dyan, i-vovote out mo ba ko?
Jan: Bakit?
Me: Wala lang.
Jan: Oo.
Me: Bakit?
Jan: E kasi wala kang pakinabang, baka mag tamad tamad ka lang dun! Hehe
Me: I-vovote out din kita.
Jan: Bakit?
Me: E kasi baka pagkalat mo na wala akong pakinabang at tatamad tamad lang ako at kung malaman nila yun, ma-vote out ako! Hehe

After a while . . .

Me: Di nga, vote out mo ko?
Jan: Bakit?
Me: Vo-vote out kita e.
Jan: Bakit?
Me: Para di ka na mahirapan! Hehehe
Jan: Gagu!

After the show . . . .

Me: Di na kita vovote-out
Jan: Bakit?
Me: Para kung tayong dalawa matira, at least kahit sino sa atin ang manalo, satin pa rin yung pera. Hehehe


Sineryoso yung show hehe

:-)

Eto na . . .

Medyo matagal-tagal na rin akong di nakakapag sulat dito a. Madami na rin ang nangyari. Marami nanamang kuwento. Wala nga lang masyadong oras. Minsan, feeling ko, di ako gaano inspirado mag sulat. Ikaw ba naman, magparang isang malaking routine ang buhay mo. Di ka ba mawalan ng gana? Kung baga, kung araw-araw adobo ulam mo, di ka ba maghahanap ng nilaga?

Alam ko ganito rin ang problem ni misis. Masayado na rin syang babad sa trabaho. Minsan napag-uusapan namin. Minsan, na-mimiss namin ang pag punta sa beach. Madala kami umalis noon, biglaan nalang kami pupunta sa Puerto Galera, pagakatapos gumimick.

Wala lang. Trip lang.

Parang ang hirap na nyang gawin ngayon.

******************

Malapit na mag November. Ilang buwan nakang ay bagong taon na. Maramipang mangyayari. Marami pang kaguluhan, kasiyahan at kung ano ano pa. Sa totoo lang, excited kaming mag-asawa kasi malapit na kami lumipat sa bagong tirahan namin. Inaasikaso na namin ang mga detalye sa pag-lipat tulad ng mga finishing sa bahay, design sa bakod, tubig kureynte, at pati na rin sa pagg-tingin ng mga bagon furniture (tinignin lang hehe) na pwedeng bumagay sa bahay. Excited na rin si Sophie. Si Sam naman ay walang ka-malay-malay hehe.

Siguro, dahil sa sobrang bilis at dami ng mga pangyayari, di ko na alam kung ano ang isusulat ko dito. Isipin ny naman, same time last year, sa Mandaluyong pa kami nakatira at iniisip namin kung pano ang magiging takbo ng buhay namin sa Quezon City. Same time last year, buntis palang si misis ka Sam at pinagpaplanuhan namin ang 2nd bday party ni Sophie (sa January). Same time last year, naghahabol pa rin kami sa quota (at naghahabol pa rin ngayon hehehe).

******************

Nung Friday, napagtripan namin ni esmi na mag dinner sa isang resto na malapit sa opisina nya. Uminom kami ng konti at nakapag kwentuhan ng kung ano-ano, kasama na rin ang kuwentuhan tunkol sa trabaho. Pagkatapos ng dalawang boteng Redhorse (sa akin), isang San Mig Light at Margarita (kay esmi) nag decide na kami umuwi. Hindi dahil sa lasing na kami (di pa masyadong nakalampag yung bahay alak namin), pero dahil sa sarap ng kuwentuhan, di namin naramdaman na 1 am na pala.

Pag-uwi namin, tulog na ang mga bata. Nagising si Sophie sandali pero natulog na rin kasabay namin.

******************

Ano mangyayari same time next year? Sana:

1) Pagod pa rin kami sa trabaho pero mas may oras na kami sa mga sarili namin
2) Pinagppalanuhan na namin ang 4th bday celebration ni Sophie
3) Tumatakbo at nangdadaldal na si Sam
4) May oras na kami mag bakasyon o mag punta sa beach kasama ang mga bubwit
5) Matuloy lahat o karamihan sa mga plano namin para sa pamilya at patuloy kaming maging healthy


Yun lang.


:-)

Traveling and Food

Traveling is something that I really enjoy. I've been to Cebu, Davao, Bicol and Cagayan De Oro more than once. I've also been to Dipolog, Iligan, Ormoc, Bacolod, Iloilo, Guimaras and Boracay. My wife and I have been in and out Puerto Galera for a good number of years before we got married. My family and I used to go to Baguio every summer and after more than 5 years, we took a vacation there and we'll be going there this coming December.

Jan and I would like to go to at least one vacation spot in the Philippines every year with our kids. We want to show them how beautiful our country is. We want them to experience how it is in other places outside Manila. We want them to learn about their Filipino heritage . . . . and Filipino food.

I always make it a point to eat the local cuisine whenever I travel. Why eat at a fast food joint that's also available in Manila anyway?

Here are some of the things that I've learned about local food from my travels:

1) That Dipolog has the longest boulevard in the country. People hang out there at night, drinking beer and eating TEMPURA as appetizer. Fish tempura, squid tempura, etc, etc... Also, try their Spanish sardines . . . masarap!

2) Ormoc, which is about an hour away from Cebu by ferry, has some of the most sweetest pineapples that I've ever tasted.

3) Davao is littered with eat all you can buffets and you'll only be spending P99 - P150 / head. Sulit talaga!

4) While Cebu is known for its danggit and lechon cebu, one of the best ribs that I've tasted is in Casa Verde (there's a new branch at the Ayala Mall Cebu).

5) I love the pastel in Cagayan De Oro, where the music scene is very much alive..

6) You haven't tasted chicken inasal until you've had one in Bacolod.

7) In Ormoc, there's a line of lechon vendors at the wet market and they'll give you a free taste of their "lechon balat". I swear, the next time I'll got there, I'll taste every one of those freebies while munching on a cup of rice hehe. By the way, they don't use lechon sauce in there (just like in most provinces down south), just plain vinegar or vinegar with soy sauce as sawsawan.

8) They make Durian pie in Iligan. I tasted it once. I think I like the candy better (sorry Durian lovers). I heard that the kasoy there is good, though I didn't have the chance to buy some.

9) In Bicol, Laing is different from Pinangat. I like them both, though (not the spicy kind).

10) Aside from buying piyaya, never leave Iloilo without tasting their La Paz Batchoy. NEVER.

Parang nagutom yata ako. Have a nice long weekend everyone!

:-)

Picture, Picture!

Anong ginagawa namin sa bahay pag wala kaming magawa?

PICTURE, PICTURE!








:-)

wifey's blog

Jan's new blog. You might want to check it out.

http://janakidiary.blogspot.com/

:-)

Hmmmm . . .

Sometimes you just have to sit back and just watch as events go by. Sometimes, you just have to know when to let go. Its funny how things turn out and there are times, the unexpected happens. It happens a lot. There are times when things are looking up and then some crazy thing happen and all you can say is "oh, hell no!".

For a good number of weeks now, I've found myself in a crossroad. Its not easy to decide which road to take, especially if you have people who are with you on the journey. But there will come a point when I have to choose a road, and I fear that that point is coming soon.

I understand that in everything we do, there will surely be hits and misses. I mean, you can't hit a home run every time your on the batting plate. I think the key to all of this is managing expectations. Being prepared, having a plan, and knowing that the plan may not work as well as I want it to.

Oh my, I think I'm talking in circles. . . .

Oh well . . .

:-)

What I've learned . . .

Here are ten things that I've learned or re-learned in the past few weeks:

I learned that (top ten a' la David Letterman):

10) I should never underestimate 2 year old kids. They're smarter than I think!

9) I should never get in between my wife and her FARMTOWN while she's harvesting her sunflowers and tomatoes.

8) It's hard to quit smoking, especially when I don't want to!

7) The after-six diet doesn't mean that you can eat "after-six". . . (so that's why it wasn't working).

6) When riding the MRT . . . I should always remember what our basketball coach used to shout at me: "box-out! box-out! P%*#$% I@# mo!"

5) It's okay to ask for help once in a while . . . its part of being human.

4) No matter how hard I try to understand them . . . idiots will always be idiots. And, NO, Advil will not take away the headache that I'll get from talking to them, though I suppose it might prevent my nose from bleeding.

3) Yes. Some people really do take advantage and underestimates of you.

2) Too much stress can lead to . . . constipation!

1) I should never drink Starbucks venti brewed coffee, or any kind of coffee for that matter, past 4pm . . . so I won't stay awake, surfing the net and thinking of what to blog about . . . at 1:00am...


:-)

Pakarazzi Express #5

Okay, so I haven't been blogging in a while. Truth of the matter is, I've been busy for the past few weeks. I've been visiting most of my blog friends though. Thanks for all the tags that I got. I'll try to squeeze them in in the next few days.

Anyways, a lot of things happened in the past few weeks: President Aquino passed away, The Marcoses and the Aquinos were recorded on video together for the 1st time in decades (hmm . . . I have to check if hell froze over), this issue about Willie Revillame (again), the Philippine Basketball Team's inconsistent performance (they are consistent at being inconsistent), Sophie's first wedding march as the little bride, Sam's Baptism and, uh . . . many more! Haha!

********************

A blanket of sadness covered our nation last August 1 when the beloved former President Cory Aquino passed away. In fairness to her, despite her shortcomings as President and the numerous coup' attempts that plagued her administration, she was the only President not accused of graft and corruption. She was never power hungry and she was a true ambassador of peace and reconciliation.

Farewell Tita Cory! Its just unfortunate that some politicians used her death for their own political agendas. I'm truly disgusted! Now I know who not to vote for . . .

********************

On the same day Tita Cory passed away, my cousin Nainah got married to her boyfriend Jerry. The ceremony was held at San Augustin Church in Intramuros. Sophie was part of the entourage as the little bride. She did her part perfectly, walking down the aisle without any hitches . . . except she'd rather be a flower girl because she wanted to scatter flowers on the floor. She tried to scatter the flowers on her bouquet but, of course, she couldn't get the flowers off the bundle.

I was teary eyed when I saw her wearing her gown, which was an exact replica of my cousin's. Jan was laughing at me because of that . . . as usual.

********************

I heard in the news or read somewhere that Imelda Marcos was quoted saying that when the Marcoses and the Aquinos reconcile, good things will happen to the Philippines (or something to that effect).

All I can say is . . . really???

********************

I wouldn't even blog about Willy Revillame's current issues . . .

********************

Three words for Team Pilipinas Basketball: PICK AND ROLL!!

I've never seen any member of the team give good screens. They're all selfishly trigger happy. I'm just wondering why the game analysts, despite the inconsistent game of the team, keeps on saying positive things about the team.

I'd rather hear them calling a spade, a spade!

********************

Sam was christened a few weeks ago. It was a simple ceremony. Now we can bring Sam to the mall!! Hehe!

Seriously, welcome to the catholic world Sam!!

********************

Kaltok Moment:

Jan and I saw a girl with long legs wearing short shorts at the mall.

Jan : "Bakit kaya hindi ako binigyan ng Diyos ng ganyang legs para makapag shorts din ako?"

Bam : "Alam mo, may rason ang Diyos sa lahat ng mga bagay. Tignan mo, kung hindi ako tumaba at lumaki ng
ganito, malamang problema mo ko dahil malamamang marami akong chicks!"

Jan : "Sus!"

Bam : " At kung binigyan ka ng Diyos ng ganyang legs, e malamang taon-taon kita nabubuntis!"

Jan : "Sira ulo!"

Haha joke lang!!

**************************

Enjoy the rest of the week everyone!


:-)

Go Spurs!

I was ecstatic when I read on the internet a few weeks ago that the San Antonio Spurs got Richard Jefferson (the NJ Nets' 2nd all-time leading scorer who was traded to the Bucks) from the Milwaukee Bucks by trading Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas and Fabracio Oberto. While I was sad to see these players go because they were a good part of the Spurs' system, I was glad that they made that move because, as everyone knows, they're the oldest team in the NBA. They also signed Antonio McDyess (I remember some kids in our subdivision calling him MacJESS),one of the more consistent players in the league who was also an All-Star.


Richard Jefferson

Antonio McDyess

To top it all off, the Spurs had a draft-day steal, when they drafted DeJuan Blair (a monster of a player that was projected to be drafted in the first-round) in the second round of the draft. Teams passed up on him because of a knee injury he had when he was in High School. He said that his old injury never bothered him during his college career and hopefully, that old injury doesn't bother him during his pro career.

DeJuan Blair

The line-up looks very promising and deep to me. Obviously, the Spurs made these moves to maximize the Tim Duncan era. He's already 33 years old and he'd probably have 2-3 more good years left. With Ginobili healthy and part of the line-up, the Spurs are sure to become the top contenders for this season's championship!

:)

thankful

Being stuck here at home for the last few days because of my dental surgery, made me realize that I should be thankful for a lot of things:

I'm thankful for my wife who has always been by my side for all the good times and the bad times. I've heard of some couples separating because of years and years of misunderstandings. While we have our share of misunderstandings and fights, I'm very happy to say that we always pull through. Someone once described our being a couple as being like a team. We've been like that since the beginning of our relationship, and I know we'll be like that until the end.

I'm thankful for my kids. I've been spending some time with them here at home and I've got to say that my kids, who most of the time drive me insane, are the ones who help keep my sanity intact. With all the stress and problems that I encounter on a daily basis, sometimes I feel that I'll have a meltdown. But looking at my kids, seeing them smile, makes everything better.

I'm thankful for my all my family. They've always been here for me. We support each other. We give each other advices and we always want the best for every member of the family.

I'm thankful for my friends. While I don't see my friends as much as I want to anymore, its good to know that they're only a text, ym chat or call away.

I'm thankful for all the blessings that we received. Life is hard and getting harder for all of us but God always finds a way to help us out.

impacted impakto

It's happening again. Last year, due to the nagging pain that I felt for almost a month, I had my right impacted wisdom tooth removed. Even with the anesthesia, it was still painful. I couldn't talk for at least two days and I couldn't eat anything solid. It was torture.

Starting last week, I felt the same pain my left side where my other impacted wisdom tooth is. Its like having de ja vu. I couldn't sleep at night because of the pain, I couldn't eat, I have lots of mefenamic acid in my pocket and now, as recommended by my dentist, I'm taking amoxicillin.

I may have it removed this coming Saturday, and while I'm looking forward to finally having it removed to end the pain, I'm not looking forward to the process of taking it out. Having it removed is heavy on the pockets too.

Toothaches are always hard to deal with. Those of you who've experienced what I'm experiencing could attest to that. Its hard to think, move and do things that you normally do.

I'm even amazed that I could type right now.

Ouch.


:(

home

Is it just me? Or is life really getting more stressful nowadays. I mean I can handle stress but these days, I feel it more than the past few weeks. Its a good thing that I have my family to come home to every night. I see Sam and Sophie everytime I go home and all my stress seem to disappear . . . for a few hours.

Sam's three months old now. He can hold his hed upright and enjoys "talking" to us. He smiles, laughs and make baby sounds whenever he sees us. He's very healthy now, so healthy that his baby clothes don't fit anymore.

Sophie is as hyper as ever. She plays with Sam and loves the idea of being an ate. Sometimes I make her stand in a corner whenever (as in every night) she becomes sooo hyper that she doesn't listen to anything we say to her. Then after awhile she'd calm down and transform into a sweet litle girl again haha!

Its because of this, that I want to come home as early as possible every night after work. Imagine how homesick I was when I went out of town for work. Being out for 3-4 days in a week really took its toll on me. I missed Jan, Sophie and Sam terribly.

Now I'm back home and I glad that I am. I won't be having trips for the next few months.

I'm glad I'm home.

:)

Thank You Tita Josie

Yesterday, I attended the burial of Tita Josie, my mom's sister and our family's "Mother Hen". Not having a family of her own, Tita was always there for all her nephews and nieces. Espicially us, me, my brother Ian, cousins Nainah and Mel, who were the first batch of pamangkins.

I'll always remember her for being a "Taray Queen" (she would even make Maricel Soriano blush)who was always there for us no matter what. As kids, we were always bugging her (calling her in the office) to buy us (the four of us) new toys and she'd always say "puñeta kayo, pabili kayo ng pabili" but when she comes home, she'll aways have the toys that we asked her to buy.

As we were growing up, she became more of a mother to all of us. She was the one who always cooked during special occasions, the one with the coolest and most thoughtful gifts, the one who helped us whatever way she can, even typing our school projects. She was someone you could count on to be there no matter what.

I know it sounds as if she's the type who'd spoil us, but she'd put us in our place whenever we do something wrong. I learned a lot from her, including how to love my work and how to work hard. During high-school, she took me in for a summer job program for students in Dutch Boy Phils (where she worked and finally retired from). She didn't give me any special treatment. She would even say that I should look for something to do even whenever I have some idle moments.

When I stayed in my lola's house in Makati where she lived, I always counted on her to open the gate whenever I come home very late. When she retired and had more time in her hands, she'd do the laundry (even mine), prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner and whatever chore that was needed to be done.

She would text us weather reports whenever we travel, call us to check if we got home safely and she even texts us lotto results.

Almost two years ago, we found out that she had cancer. Stage 4 cancer that already spread out in most of her organs. She never told us that she was in pain or was feeling bad or weird so when the we found out, we were really shocked. I think she already knew she was sick, but never told us so we won't worry about her.

After the operation, her condition became worse and we all saw it. From a figure of a healthy, athletic woman who played tennis and bowling, her body was quite literally reduced to skin and bones in a matter of months. Sometimes I didn't want to go to my lola's house in Makati because I didn't want to see her like that. Whenever we were there, she'd still be her usual self but physically, we could see that she was getting weaker and weaker.

Last Sunday morning, I got a text from my brother Simon that Tita passed away. When I read his text, all I could say was "oh, shit!". After making several calls, I broke down in the arms of my wife. I couldn't help myself. It's hard to lose someone so close. Someone who was always there for me. Someone I loved for as long as I can remember.

I was in her wake daily as was most of our family. We finally laid her to her final resting place yesterday. And as I saw her coffin slowly being laid down, I couldn't help but remember all the times that we spent. All the things that she did for us. All the lessons that I learned from her. And as I threw the white flower on her grave, all I could say to her was: Thank You.

People say that it will all sink in after the funeral. It's true. Before going back home, I ate dinner at my Lola's house and I sat at the kabisera where I usually sit. I looked to my left where my Tita's bed was located and for the first time, I didn't see her there. Only then did everything sink in. At that moment, I realized that she was no longer there for us.

With everything she's done for us and for all her friends, I'm sure she's with God now.

We all love you, Tita. Thank you for everything.

byahero daw

Medyo naging busy ako the past two weeks. I've been to Naga two weeks ago and Tacloban, Ormoc and Cebu just last week. This week I'm going to Davao and kung matutuloy, Dipolog naman next week (pero Garet, talo pa rin ng Paris trip nyo yung mga byahe ko, hehe). Kaya wala rin ako masyadong time mag blog kasi medyo jam-packed ang sched namin with meetings and client presentations. Exciting din pero nakakapagod.

I've been away for 3-4 days a week. Pag-uwi ko last last Saturday from Cebu, nagulat ako. Parang masa lumaki si Sam. Ang tawag ko sa kanya ay "Tabaching". A month ago sobrang payat nya and we even had to put him in phototherapy because sobra syang madilaw. Now he looks healthy and I pray na magtuloy-tuloy lang.

By the way, two months old na si Sam yesterday. Happy Birthday Sam!

Si Sophie naman sobrang kulit. Parang mas-makulit sya everytime na pag-uwi ko. Pero ok lang, sya yung laging sumasalubong sakin with matching kiss and hug!

Iba pag nasa byahe. Nakakamiss sa family. Nagpapa-MMS ako kay Jan nang pics nila. Lalo ko sila nami-miss. Kaya tuwang-tuwa ako pag uwi ko!

Ang dami kong kuwento na ipo-post ko dito pag may time. Medyo toxic lang ng konti pag balik o ng opisina.

Na-miss ko rin mag blog! hehe

:)

Time-out

It's been very busy for me at work lately. Ever since I got back from my paternity leave, my office life has been jam-packed that sometimes, I don't even know where to begin. I can honestly say that there are times when I just say "Arghh! I don't need this $^*%!" but then again, I love the pressure, and I enjoy what I'm doing. Yes, workaholics anonymous kicked me out again hehehe.

I also can't deny that I look forward to going home every night. There are times that I go home earlier than usual so I can see Sophie, Sam and Jan, who's still on her maternity leave. Sam's a morning sleeper so he keeps us awake every night. Kudos to Jan for being patient enough to feed him every time he needs to feed. I try my best to wake up (honestly!), but most of the time I go home tired from work that I find myself half awake and still dizzy while trying to mix his milk.

Sophie's a wonderful "ate" now. She loves seeing Sam smile and laugh and she does everything she could to solicit her brother's smile. I even think that Sam knows her already. Whenever Sam smiles, Sophie's high-pitched laugh will surely follow.

Pressure? Bring it on. I'm doing this for them.

I just took a short break. Now . . . I'm going back to work.

:)

ayos na ang problema . . . sana

Salamat at nagbalik ka na. Alam kong medyo matagal ka nang may probema. Noong una ay hindi ko alam kung papaano nangyari ang problemang ito. Umuwi lang ako nang isang gabi at nikita kitang parnag bumbilya na humihina na ang ilaw. Nagulat ako. Pero di ko ito masyadong pinansin. Alam ko na sa tagal ng pinagsamahan natin, malalampasan mo it.

Marami-rami na rin naman tayong pinagdaanan. Ilang taon na rin ako natawa at naiyak na ikaw ang kasama ko. Ilang beses na rin akong nakaramdam ng galit at minsan naman ay takot nang dahil sa iyo. Madalas, pag kasama kita, para mo akong nililipad sa ibang mundo. Pag magkasama tayo, nawawala ang pagod ko at nakakalimutan ko ang mga problema ko.

Hindi ko pinansin ang mga nangyayari sa'yo. Hanggang sa isang gabi ay bigla kang nawala. Di ko alam kng ano ang gagawin ko. Pinilit ko na makita kita pero wala ring nangari. Pakiramdam ko ay wala nang pagasa.

Ilang araw ang lumipas, at ganito pa rin ang sitwasyon. Sa simula ay andyan ka pero unti-unti kang nawawala. At habang tumatagal, lalo ring tumatagal ang iyong pagkawala. Tila ba pabigat nang pabigat ang iyong mga problema. May mga pagkakataon na napagbuhatan kita ng kamay dahil hindi ko na mapigilan ang sarili ko. Pasensya ka na. Kaya ko lang naman nagawa ito e dahil sa hindi ko alam kung anong problema mo.

Nahihirapan ako matulog sa gabi. Naririnig kita pero di kita makita. Di ako sanay na matulog nang wala ka. Ilang beses ko na ring naisip na palitan ka, dahil hindi mo na nabibigay yung mga pangangailangan ko, pero dahil sa matagal na tayong magkasama, parang hindi ko ito magawa. Sa aking puso ay alam kong may pagasa pa.

Kaninang umaga ay nagising ako na may kakaibang sigla. Naisip ko na ito na ang panahon para maayos ang lahat. Pumunta tayo sa isang lugar kung saan inaalagaan at inaayos ang mga katulad mo na may problema. Sa kabutihang palad, naging maganda ang desisyon ko na pumunta tayo dun. Binuksan ka at nakita nilinis ang lahat ng dumi at alikabok na naipon sa loob mo nang ilang taon. Ilang minuto lang ay nalaman na kung anong problema na dinadala mo...

Hininang lang yung mother board mo at medyo maluwang na raw yung mga connections. Kaya pala pag nanonood ako ay dumidilim bigla yung screen. Buti nalang hindi ung picture tube kung hindi e wala ka nang pagasa.

Hindi talaga ako sanay na matulog na walang TV. Kahit noon pa ay nanonood ako ako matulog. Buti nalang malapit lang yun shop na paayusan dito sa bahay. Natawa yung nagaayos nung sinabi ko minsan pinupupok kita para lumabas uli yung picture. Wala pang isang oras ay ayos na. Inabutan ko pa yung 4th qtr nang basketball game na pinapanood ko dun sa isang TV bago ako umalis.

Ang tindi rin ng lumang TV ko. Di sya branded pero 9 years na rin sya sakin. Ngayon lang sya nagkaroon ng sira.

2 months warranty.

Ayos no?

:)

One year na pala itong site ko . . . .

. . . last month. Sa sobrang dami nga mga inaasikaso ko lately, di ko namalayan na Isang taon na pala ako ng nang-gugulo sa blogsphere. April 15 yung una kong post. Biruin nyo, nakaisang taon din ako? Salamat sa inyong lahat sa patuloy na pagbabasa nga blog ko. Sana naman ay naaliw ko kayo kahit papaano. Pagpasensyahan nyo na ko kung medyo matumal ako mag blog ngayon. Medyo busy-busyhan ng konti. Pero kahit na di ako nakakasulat, binabasa ko naman yung mga blog ninyo pag may oras.

Salamat ng marami uli! Sana hindi kayo mag-sawa.

:)

pakarazzi express # 5

I like this song by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat. So simple and yet so sweet. And yes, I do feel "lucky". Hope you guys enjoy the song as well.

Lucky - Jason Mraz featuring Colbie Calliat

**********************

Everyone's raving about Manny Pacquiao's win over Ricky Hatton. Who would've known that the the match will end in two rounds? But not everyone's excited about the political party he's creating for his candidacy next election. Wtf? I think if he really wants to help, he can do things for less fortunate people without entering politics.

Everyone wants to enter politics . . . sheesh . . .

**********************

Another thing that's wasting valuable airtime on TV is the Martin Nieverra issue about his version of "Lupang Hinirang" during the Pacquiao - Hatton fight. I don't know what the big deal is. Different versions have be sung during past fights and nothing ever happened to those singers. No one was fined or in-prisoned. So why are these politicians ranting now?

Malapit na kasi ang election, that's why.

**********************

Because of the economic crisis (and the recent birth of Sam hehe) I've decided to bring baon for lunch everyday. I usually eat out during lunch time but in order to save some bucks, I've decided to bring lunch to the office every day. Saves me at least P150 everyday. Not bad, huh? Buti nalang masarap magluto asawa ko, hehehe!

Enjoy the rest of the week everyone!

:)

shorty lang

Long weekend nanaman. I always look forward to long weekends because I really want to spend time with my family. Sophie's at that "terrible 2" stage already and there are times that I have to put her in a corner for her "time out". I didn't know that little girls can be so rowdy! But I also enjoy her antics. There are times when I cant decide whether to put her in a corner or just laugh at her kakulitan. But of course, I would like her to grow up to be brat so most of the time, she finds her self in a corner.

We've nothing planned for tomorrow and since its been raining and will continue to rain in the next few days, I'd rather spend my time at home. Maybe I'll watch some dvds since there's nothing good to watch on BTV (Spurs got ousted from the playoffs by the Mavs). Besides, Jan and I are planning to watch the X-Men movie this Saturday, after we attend the christening of my friend's daughter. I'm so excited to see the movie on the big screen.

Sam's one month old today so I asked Jan to buy a cake to celebrate the occasion. Man . . . has it been a month already? Time really flies. Next thing I'll know, he'll be crawling, then walking, then running around, the house!

Enjoy your looong weekend boys and girls!

:)

Spurs lost . . .

Spurs lost the 1st round of the playoffs for the first time. So much for my fearless forecast. Anyway, looking forward to next season.

Haay . . .

Under Pressure

Yun lang!

:)

rants and raves

Just saw in the news that Prudential Life can no longer sell their pre-need plans because of lack of investments or something to that effect. In other words, just like the Legacy Group, they don't have enough resources to support their plan holders. Sheessh. Things are getting bad, especially for parents like us.

I used a CAP (which, by the way, is also in a fiancial bind) when I entered college. It was a good investment. Imagine, I studied for 4 year for just a P6,000 investment? At those days, our tuition fee ranged from P6 - P10k (or more, I think) per semester. Before these things happened to the pre-need industry, Jan and I were actually thinking of buying an educational plan for our kids (or future kids at that time). Now, it seems that getting one is a sure way of losing your money.

What gives? Don't these financial people see that a lot of people's future are in their hands? Now we're thinking of other ways to save-up or invest in Sophie and Sam's college education.

I pity those people who lost money because they invested in these companies.

*************************

On a good note, the Spurs won game 2 versus Dallas today. They lost game by 8 points and they won today by 21 points. Talk about winning with a vengeance. Manu Ginobili is out for the playoffs, which is bad for the team, but I think Duncan, Parker plus the supporting crew can make it to the Western Conference Finals, as long as they focus on their defense and work on their offensive sets.

My fearless forecast in the Spurs - Mavs series: Spurs in 6.

*************************

After experiencing the scorching summer heat this month, rain finally came last Sunday and its still raining today. Its a welcome development for all of us here in Manila. There was this one time when I was on my way home, I passed through a mall and when I went out for a cab, the humidity hit me like a brick wall.

Ironically, Sophie was singing "Rain, rain, go away . . ." since Sunday hehe!

*************************

I've noticed that some politicians are coming out with their TV ads as early as now. Wala lang, hehehe.

*************************

The Wolverine movie is coming out next wee. As an X-Men fan, I'm really looking forward to seeing the movie. There are already pirated dvds out, but I heard that they don't have the ending and you could still see the straps and ropes used by the actors during the stunt. Its interesting how Wolverine became the face of the X-Men all these years. He wasn't an original member of the team. In fact, his first appearance was in a Incredible Hulk comic book. I guess his rough features and personality appealed to a lot of people.

Personally, I like Gambit, Cyclops, Night Crawler and Cannonball (Samuel Guthrie, which is why I like the name Samuel and gave it to our new baby) who were all in the previous movies, although Gambit had a short appearance, and I had to review the credits to confirm that he was actually there.

I saw the poster and I think Cyclops and Gambit will both be in the movie.

Enjoy the rest of the week boys and girls!

:-)

Konting Sacrifice

Pahinga muna sa internet starting ngayong Friday hanggang Linggo. Ito kasi ang isang bagay na sa ngayon ay kinahihiligan ko. Ito ang aking munting sacrifice para ngayong Holy Week. Di rin ako mag yoyosi hanggang Linggo.

Have a blessed Holy Week mi amigos y amigas! Tandaan natin na mas malaking sacrifice ang ginwawa NYA para sa atin. Sana kahit konti ay makapag sacrifice tayo para sa alala ng ginawa NYA.



:)

Ate Sophie

Sophie has embraced the idea of having a younger brother. We call her "Ate" now. Just last night when Sam was crying, Sophie said "Tama na Sam . . . tama na . . . ok na, ok na . . ." which cracked me up!

When Sam was still in Jan's womb, we always tell Sophie that there's a baby inside her mommy's tummy. Sometimes she says that there's a baby on my tummy too (kung di ko lang anak yun baka nabatukan ko na hehehe). When Sam was finally born, sabi ko kay Sophie " Sophie, look o . . . si Sam yan." and she replied "Di daddy, baby yan, e . . ." and then I said "Eh nasaan si Sam?" and then she said, with conviction "Nasa-bahay".

We thought that it will be hard for Sophie to accpept that there's another baby in our house. But as soon as we got home, Sophie wanted to carry Sam and play with him. Now she kisses Sam when he's crying, plays with him (she hides whenever Sam looks at her, parang hide and seek sila) and she even wants to be the one who holds his bottle when he's feeding.

When I asked her "Sophie, love mo ba si Sam?" she answers "Opo!".

Jan and I are both relieved that it didn't take long for Sophie to adjust to her new baby brother. She even says "Si Sam Sam, baby ni daddy and Sophie yan!". Ateng-ate na yung baby girl ko!

:-)

Sam's 1st battle

We went home from the hospital last Saturday afternoon, bringing home Sam from the first time. Sophie, who was already home greeted us with her welcome shout "MOMMY!!! DADDY!!!". Finally, we're home.

But for a brief moment during the day, I thought that we had to extend our time at Madocs for another day... again.

You see, we were supposed to go home last Friday morning. We were already packed and ready to go when our Pediatrician told us that she wants to do some tests on Sam before she can clear us to go home. Sam was kinda yellowish, more yellowish than when Sophie was born. We waited for the test results and I was actually bracing myself for some bad news.

The results came out and Sam was diagnosed with jaundice. We were told that he had to undergo phototherapy, wherein he will be placed under a special light for 24-hours. We had two options: we leave Sam at the nursery or in our room. We opted to have Sam in our room. We wanted to take care of him ourselves.

After a few minutes, the machine with the special light was brought in and was placed beside Sam's crib. Sam was undressed by the nurse, leaving only his diaper because his whole body must be exposed to the light. His eyes were covered with an elastic band to keep them safe from the prolonged light exposure.

And so began Sam's 1st battle.

It was hard for us seeing Sam inside his crib under the blue light. He kept removing the elastic band in his eyes maybe because he feels uncomfortable with it on. We place it back on as soon as he removes it. I was actually glad every time he removes the cover on his eyes because for me, that's a good sign that my son is strong and that gave me hope that he'll come out of this battle as the winner.

Since Sam had to have his whole body lighted, we had to turn him and even laid him on his back from time to time. We had to watch over him all the time because he removes the cover on his eyes whenever he's awake. We had to watch over him the whole time that he's exposed to phototherapy. That means we had to watch him for 24-hours straight.

In the afternoon, I took my mother-in-law and Sophie to our home because they can't spend the night in the hospital. We were supposed to go home together but because Sam had to stay, i had to take them home and go back to the hospital for Jan and Sam.

When I got back, the room was a bit warm because we can't lower the temperature of the air conditioner because Sam might get cold. At one point, Jan was in tears because she felt that Sam was having a hard time. I told her that our son was strong and he'll be fine.

I was awake 'til 5 am. Jan slept at around 2am. I woke her up when I felt I couldn't stay awake anymore. I didn't want to doze off at the risk of Sam taking off his elastic band from his eyes again. Anyway, Jan said that I should wake her up at 5am because the nurses will take another blood sample of Sam's for another test.

I woke up around 7am and Jan already had her breakfast. I bought my breakfast and went back to the room. As we were waiting for the test results, we noticed that Sam's yellowness subsided a notch and we felt that everything was going to be ok. Our doctor noticed it too which gave us more reason to feel good.

Feeling anxious about the result, I went to the nurse's station to ask if there was a test result already. She said there was and informed us that with the results, she thinks that Sam should stay for one more day.

My heart almost fell. I told Jan and she didn't know how to react at first. I told her that we should wait for the official results. I texted our doctor and asked her if there's news already. Then I looked up and just thought " Lord naman . . . kawawa naman anak ko . . ." then I prayed shortly.

After 20 minutes, I got a call form our OB-GYN and she gave me some instructions for our Philhealth discount. I asked her if she has news about Sam , she said our pedia just texted her the Sam can go home. I asked her what time she texted and told her that I talked to the nurse about the results 20 minutes ago, and she told me the she just received the text message. A few minutes after that call, our pedia called and informed us that Sam can go home already.

I told Jan the news and we were both relieved. Sam won the battle and now we can going home.

Having a sick child is very difficult for parents emotionally. Seeing Sam on phototherapy was even harder. I thank God that Sam's ok. I pray that everything will go well.

I'm so happy that we're all finally home.

:-)

Welcome to the world, Samuel Gabriel

Here are some pics of my son, Samuel Gabriel Garcia, who was born about an hour ago. Sobrang excited ako na makita sya na nakalimutan ko na meron palang elevator 'tong hospital na 'to at ginamit ko ang hagdanan papunta sa kabilang wing hehe!









Sobrang excited talaga. Ang gulo pa ng buhok ko! hehe

Thank God for this blessing! Welcome to the family my son!

:)

so excited

Ang aga ko nagising today. 6 a.m. nakadilat na ko. Usually, kahit puyat na puyat ako, 7 a.m. impunto gising na ko. Bihira ako magising ng ganito kaaga. Isang factor siguro ng pag gising ko ng maagga ay dahil malikot nanaman matulog si Sophie. Yung binili namin na sofa bed ay nasa baba at ginagamig ng sister-in-law ko na natulog dito kagabi kaya katabi ko nanaman ang makulit kong baby girl sa pag-tulog. Isang reason pa siguro ay excited ako.

Excited saan?

Pupunta kami sa hospital today para i-check-in si Jan. Oo. Manganganak na sya. CS sya kaya pwede i-sched. Tomorrow morning sched nya. Yung pinsan ko'ng doctor sa Madocs (Manila Doctors) isang linggo ko kinukulit para kumuha ng room. Hanggang kahapon kinukulit ko sya. Ang parating sagot nya sakin "Masyadong maaga pa magpa-reserve. Anong akala mo sa hospital, hotel?" hehehe. E excited nga ako e. Anyway, this morning daw nya kami kukuha ng room, at sana lang may ma-reserve kaagad.

Excited na kaming lahat. Pati si Sophie. Kini-kiss nya tummy ng mommy nya every now and then.

Bam! : "Sophie, good girl ka ha. Good ate ka sa baby ha?

Sophie: "Opo!"

Bam!: "Sophie, love mo si baby ha?"

Sophie: "Opo!"

Bam!: "Sophie, share your car-car witht the baby ha?"

Sophie: " Ehhh Daaaddyyy . . . kay Sophie yun e!"

Hehehe, nag-react kagad!

:-)

Happy Birthday!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY LOVELY WIFEY!!!

LOVE YA!

Late blog

*** Made this post last week but I never got to publish it. One week late na 'to ***

Its good to be back. Been busy the last couple of weeks which explains my short hiatus from the blogging world. Had some time reading some of the blogs on my list though. For those who tagged me, thanks for the tag and I promise I'll get around to those tags as soon as I find the time.

Work has kept me so occupied that I even had to go to the office last Saturday (March 7) to check on some stuff. Its that time of the year again when the cable industry has its conventions. This year, we'll be having 2 conventions on the same month. You could just imagine how busy our business unit is right now.

Enough about work. . . . .

***************

Last week I received very tragic news. Two of them actually. No, I'm not talking about the death of Francis Magalona, which is very tragic indeed. I like him not only because of his music, but because he's so proud of being a Filipino, that he even had the three stars and the sun tattooed on his back. He will surely be missed by a lot of people. I'll miss seeing him on TV. He's one of the most talented people in showbiz. Our country needs more people like him.

The first news I'm talking about is closer to home. My aunt was confined to the hospital a last March 4. She has cancer and she's been fighting it since 2007. She asked to be confined so I guess she couldn't stand whatever pain she's been feeling. I visited her last Sunday. I actually didn't want to because I didn't want to see her the way my mom and other relatives described her. She was so skinny. I noticed that she was getting skinnier the last time I saw her which was a few weeks ago. But I didn't think that she'd be as skinny as she was last Sunday. My heart sank and I tried not to show it. Her skin was turning yellow because her liver's already affected.

I wanted to take a picture of her in the hospital with Sophie, but I decided not to because I don't want to remember her the way she is now. The inevitable thing will be happening anytime, and I pray that God gives her more time. More time to spend with us, more time so she could see my new son, more time to let her know that we appreciate everything that she did for us.

I'd write more about her, but right now, I find it difficult. No words could ever describe what she is to our family. Just believe me when I say that all of us, my brothers and cousins think that she's the perfect aunt that anyone could have.

********************

The second tragic news that I got was from a text message from a friend. One of our high school friends died this week. He was shot 4 times while riding his motorcycle on his way home. Mark Razo was our Corp Commander back in high school. I was also an officer back then and before we were commissioned as cadet officers, everyone knew that he'd be chosen to be our leader. He was a good guy. Our batch was really tight and I could say that he was a friend and not just a classmate.

We were actually planning a get together last year. I wish we did.

I hope they catch the people who killed him and hang them. Another victim of violence. What a waste.

My condolences to the Razo family. "Cor", we will surely miss you.

Ahmm Baaaaack!!

Sobrang daming kuwento! Medyo matagal dina akong nawala. At dahil sa pangangalampag ng ibang mga ka-blog na na miss ako (medyo konti lang hehe), heto ako at nagbabalik! Nabasa nyo naman sa mga huling post ko na medyo busy-busyhan ako sa mga panahon na ito. Asamateropak, nasa opisina ako ngayon at nagtratrabaho habang sinusulat ko'to. Sana lang huwag silipin ng HR namin ang gianagawa ko ngayon hehehe!

Hindi magkakasya sa post na ito ang mga kuwento ko, kaya simula ngayon, pipilitin ko na araw-arawin ang pag-aaliw sa sarili ko at sa inyo sa pamamagitan ng blog na ito hehe. Kailangan ko lang mag paalam uli ngayon kasi may deadline ako na hinahabol at ayaw ko na umikot uli ang tumbong ko sa trabaho.

Babalik ako mamaya . . . pramis!

:-)

wala lang . . .

10pm and I'm still in the office. Buti nalang tapos na ko . . . I mean, bukas naman yung iba hehehe. I can't say I'm looking forward to the weekend, because I'll probably think about work the whole time. Anyway, the good thing about being busy is . . . I think I got my mojo back!

Hope it stays for a while this time or until I check myself in Workaholics Anonymous hehe!

:-)

kaltok moment uli

Been so busy lately that I didn't have time to blog. Anyway, I still expect the rest of the month as well as next month and the month after that and so on and so forth . . . to be busy as hell. Next month, we'll be having two cable tv conventions, just a week apart from each other. I've always attended these conventions since I started in this industry, and I've been here for more than 10 years. . . . makes me feel so old.

Haay . . .

Anyway . . . I just want to share a "KALTOK MOMENT" with you, that just happened last night:

I was talking to my brother Patrick on the phone about computer stuff. Sophie wanted to know who I was talking to.

Sophie: "Daddy, sinyan? (translation: (Daddy, sino yan?")

Bam!: "Si Tito Pat". Then I handed her the phone "O, talk to Tito Pat . . ."

Sophie was just listening to Pat, who was on speaker phone, and then I said "Say hi to Tito Pat, Sophie."

Sophie: ". . . ."

Bam!: "Sophie, say Tito Pat . . . packer!

Sophie: "pater! Hihihi"

Jan: "Hoy! Anong tinuturo mo sa anak mo?"

Bam!: "Bakit? Packer naman talaga si Patrick diba? Kasi tinulungan nya tayo mag-pack ng gamit nung lumipat tayo ng bahay. At pag lipat natin ng bahay uli, PACKER uli sa Pat, di ba Pat?"

Patrick: "Oo na!"

Bam! (talking to Jan) : " O di ba? At ikaw, kung tutulong ka mag pack pag lipat natin, alam mo ba kung ano tawag sa'yo?"

Jan: "Ewan ko sa'yo!"

Bam!: "Mother packer! Kasi mother ka na! Hehehe"

Hulaan nyo kung nakaltokan ako o hinde . . . hehe!

Enjoy your week boys and girls!!

:-)

Sophie Mia!

Jan bought a DVD of the movie MAMA MIA starring Merryl Streep (who's still as gorgeous as ever), Pierce Borsnan, Amanda Seyfried (who plays a character named Sophie), and Collin Firth last Saturday. She decided to watch the movie last Monday evening while I was surprising sleepy at 9:00pm and wasn't really interested in watching anything on the boob tube. As I was trying to sleep while hearing the Abba songs in the movie, I was surprised when I saw Sophie dancing to the music!

Here are some vids:

Oh my, my baby is growing up real fast!

:-)

busy-busyhan nanaman

Its been a busy week for me. Full of meetings and other deadlines, kay medyo di ako nakapag-blog masyado. That and the fact na sira yung internet connection namin for 3 days now. I haven't gotten a single business email today, which worries me because there might be some important messages that I have to attend to. How can a business run without the internet? Its pretty frustrating.

Anyway, tomorrow's Friday the 13th and Valentines will be on Saturday. We really don't celebrate Valentines that much. We usually spend it eating dinner somewhere. This weekend, I've nothing planned yet, although I'm thinking of buying a romantic DVD that Jan and I can watch at home.Saturday will also be my in-law's wedding anniversary so we'll be spending some time there. We're also going to Pag-Ibig fund on Saturday to renew our loan seminar. Going to Pag-Ibig on Valentines day . . . funny. No pun intended, hehe!

I'm not at all spooked about Friday the 13th. Tomorrow will just be a regular busy day. I can't believe that tomorrow's Friday already. Parang kulang kasi yung week na to for me. I'll even have a meeting at 7:30pm. Ganun ka-busy.

I'm actually enjoying it . . . a bit . . . konti lang . . . syet . . . I'm The Pakarazzi, and I'm a workaholic . . .

**********

By the way, we already bought a PLDT Landline Plus Pre-paid sim. What's weird is, I can buy a sim card but I can't buy a phone unit. I told the customer service that I wanted to buy their cordless phone but she said that the phone was only being sold to post-paid subs. Then I said I was going to pay for it in cash, but she said they really don't sell the phone unit to pre-paid customers.

What gives? I don't see the logic why they won't sell me the phone. Gusto ko yung phone kasi para landline talaga yung dating. Delikado kasi pag sa cel nilagay baka ma-misplace or ma-laspag, especially since we're leaving the phone at home for Sophie and her yaya. Baka biglang itapon ni Sophie yun, yari! We placed the sim card in our Ericsson K750i. I'm having our old Nokia 6260 phone repaired and place the sim there.

*********

Haaay . . . Friday na bukas!

:-)

kuwento lang ng konti

One week to go! Our yaya finally arrived last week and Jan and I decided to give her two weeks "training period" with her mom. I think our new yaya will do ok. I hope so. I pray so. We're scheduled to pick them up on Friday and hopefully, By next week, we can leave Sophie and our new yaya by themselves at home.

We'll be doing precautionary measures like advising our land lady that only Sophie and yaya Jennifer will be home. We're also getting a landline or a wireless landlines so that we'll be at constant communication with them. We can even ask our moms to call them once in a while to check on them.

**********

Speaking of telephones, I went to SM North today to inquire about PLDT's Landline Plus subscription. I actually inquired over the phone this morning and I was informed that I can get a pre-paid unit at the PLDT office in SM North. Imagine my dismay when I got there and the guard told me that they're out the pre-paid sim cards and telephone units so I couldn't apply for one. I also heard that its ver difficult to get this service and people had to wait to get their phones. SUCKS!

I went to Bayantel which also had an office at SM North. There were units available but personally, I was a bit worried about their signal strength. I know some people who had those wireless landline phones that Bayantel launched last year and most of them were not that satisfied.

Still, for purposes of security when it comes to our baby, we should have a phone line at home so anyone from our family can check on them from time to time. I hope we can decide within the week.

**********

We bought Sophie a new bed. Well, a sopha bed that she can use. She's been sleeping between Jan and me every night (when she's here) and its getting harder and harder for me to sleep because she moves a lot (meaning, she kicks me a lot). So we decided to buy her her own bed.

Jan will also use the sopha bed after she gives birth. She'll be having a c-section and it will be difficult for her to go up and down the stairs so she'll have to stay downstairs temporarily until she's strong enough to move about.

8 more weeks to go!

**********

Lets all have a wonderful week ahead!

:-)

can't sleep . . .

Been surfing the net for a while. Couldn't sleep. I'm listening to soft music while doing this post. Jan is sleeping beside me. She was reading "What to Expect When You're Expecting" a while ago. It's been a long day and its good that she's getting some sleep. I was actually sleepy when I went to the bedroom but somehow, I became wide awake.

Anyway, I'm excited because I'll be picking up Sophie tomorrow err . . . this afternoon. We were supposed to pick her up on Saturday, but since I had a meeting near my in-laws in the afternoon, I can pick her up.

Hooraaay!!

****************

Jan and I saw the movie "Single" starring Ruffa Mae Quinto tonight before going home. It was funny. It was ok. But I realized one thing: watching / hearing Ruffa Mae for more than an hour can be a bit tiring. Don't get me wrong, there were some parts of the movie that made me laugh (I'm a real sucker for pinoy comedy), but I, actually we, felt exhausted after watching the movie. Must be her voice, or the ways she spoke. I don't know. Paolo Contis did well though. He played a gay dude. He was actually funny.

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I'm a bit pissed that Facebook was banned from our network last week. Friendster has been banned for the longest time and now, FB is a no-no in our office too. Don't they know that social networking sites are good markeitng tools because you can have instant access to your connections and send them business proposals whenever needed? Where else can you talk business on-line while playing Elvenblood??

Sheeshh . . . some people just don't get it, hehehe :-)

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I like this line from the movie Field of Dreams: "If you build it, they will come . . . " the question is . . . do you know how?

Ach! Time to sleep. Been doing too much thinking . . .

:-)

no habla español!

I can't believe that the bigwigs at Dep Ed and CHED are proposing that Spanish will be added to the school curriculum of selected public schools. While I think the intention is good, I don't think that there is a need to do this as of yet.

Why?

I think there is a need for the government to improve on teaching ENGLISH in public and private schools. English teachers may be quite fluent with the language, (they have to be otherwise they shouldn't teach it right?), but other teachers who teach other subjects, like history or mathematics for example, aren't. Lets not talk about the regional intonations that some teachers have because they grew up in the provinces because to me, its quite understandable. What's very bothersome is, there are some teachers who can't even construct a simple sentence in English.

Its funny how schools implement an "English speaking policy" when there are teachers who can't speak the language correctly. I can't blame these teachers because obviously, they were learning with the same environment as the students in elementary and high-school now.

I think what the government should do is train teachers to speak English in the correct manner first before adding another language to the curriculum. English is spoken in most countries and economically speaking, it will good for our children's to learn the language well, especially if they decide to explore the western world for greener pastures. Call centers are booming right now because we know how to speak in English and I think this skill should be invested upon and improved for more investors to come in.

English can also be used as a tool for Filipinos to communicate, especially in areas where people do not know how to speak Tagalog (of Filipino, out national language, by the way). Yes, sadly there are still some areas where people hardly speak Filipino.

There's also an issue of increasing school tuition fees because of this additional subject. With today's hard times, parents may no longer afford additional subjects for their kids because they simply cannot. This is something that should really be considered and addressed.

And why Spanish? Not that I hate the language because I certainly had a blast when I studied it back in college, but there are other languages that may be useful, especially in terms of commerce, here in our own country. Japanese and Chinese comes to mind. As a country, we do a lot of business with China and Japan and learning Niponggo, Mandarin or Fukien may be better.

Ultimately, because of globalization, it would be better for us to learn another language. But I think that we should put priorities in order before taking on something that isn't really needed as of now. Lets educate our children properly. After all, with good education, they will have a better chance of having a bright future.

:-)

sanayan lang yan

Tama talaga yung desisyon namin na lumipat na sa QC. Ngayon pa lang e sanay na kami sa bago naming tirahan. Sanay na kami sa lugar. Di na malayo ang tingin ko sa lugar namin. Sanay na kami sa MRT. Sanay na kami sa Trinoma. Sanay na kami sa SM North. Sanay na kami na magpunta sa Makati at Pasay galing sa lugar namin (medyo mahal lang pag taxi hehe). Ang di pa namin nagagawa ay ang mag fx or jeep mula sa lugar namin hanggang Trinoma. Papaano ba naman, para makasakay e dapat tumawid sa overpass. Medyo mahihirapan kasi medyo malaki na tyan ni Jan.

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Nagulat kami kanina kung gaano kamura yung bill namin sa tubig. Doon kasi sa dati naming tinitirhan, around P400-P500 ang binabayaran namin. Yung bill namin ngayon, wala pang P100! Although syempre, di naman kami gumamit ng 1 full month kasi Dec 27 kami lumipat, pero sobrang mura ito considering we use the shower everyday at mayat'maya ang flush sa banyo hehe! Harang talaga dun sa condo! I could get used to this!

***********************

Bukas ay darating daw yung bagong yaya namin. Sana ok sya. Two weeks muna sya sa mga in-laws ko para makita kung ok sya,at para masanay na rin at makilala sya ni Sophie. Mahirap na. Kahit na ok yung yaya pero ayaw sa kanya ni Sophie di rin namin sya maiiwan sa kanya. Sana ok para wala nang problema. Makikita ko na rin si Sophie araw-araw!

:-)

missing sophie

Haaay . . . Ang hirap talaga. Miss ko nanaman si Sophie. Dun nanaman sya sa mga lola ny this week. Talked to her today and I heard her say "lab you" na buo for the first time. The good news is, baka magkaroon na kami ng yaya by next week. The bad news is, she'll have to stay sa mga lola nya for at least two more weeks para makita kung ok yung yaya.

Sophie calls herself "ate" now. Parang alam na nya na may bago kaming baby na darating. Its good kasi at least at an early age, aware sya na magiging dalawa na sila. Excited na rin ako! I saw Jan's tummy kanina na gumagalaw. Parang inaalon. Makulit yung baby boy namin. Kinikiss din ni Sophie yung tummy ng mommy nya from time to time. Nagulat nga sya one time nung nakita nya gumalaw yugn baby sa tiyan ng mommy nya.

Parati ko sinasabi kay Sophie na "Anak, konting tiis nalang. Malapit ka na magkaroon ng bagong yaya. Dito ka na sa bahay uli matutulog." tuwing hinahatid namin sya sa in-laws ko. Sabi nang mother-in-law ko, madalas daw ako hanapin ni Sophie. "San si daddy?" ang laging tanong. Everytime na sinasabi ko na "Sophie, sleep ka muna kila lola, ha?" ang sagot nya "Ayaw koooo . . . dito lang ako sleep . . . tabi mommy . . .". Kung di ka maluha, ewan ko nalang.

Kagabi, ayaw matulog kasi alam nya na iiwan namin sya. Kaya tinabihan namin sya hanggang makatulog sya. Mahirap. Mahirap talaga.

Thankful na rin ako na may nag-aalaga sa kanya. Sana lang naiintindihan nya na kailangan namin gawin 'to pangsamantala.

Naku, magiging dalawan na babies ko. Baka pag nawalan kami uli nang yaya sa susunod e mapaiyak nalang ako araw-araw pag di ko sila kasama. Madrama? Siguro nga. Pero iba talaga pag parent ka na.

Haay . . .

:-)

a bit tired . . .

One of the most tiring thing for me these days is bringing Sophie to my in laws and picking her up during the weekend. Don't get me wrong, I always look forward to picking her up, but sometimes I get little tired after work and fetching her from Pasay to Quezon City (Tandang Sora at that!) can sometimes leave me a bit winded.

Oh how I wish we could get a new yaya as soon as possible, so I can come home everyday with and see my baby.

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I'm getting used to commuting to and from work everyday from where we live now. Luckily, I can sometimes hitch a ride with office friends who live near our place on after work. The first few days was quite different from the routine that I'm used to. You see, I'm used to taking a cab to and from work because our apartment at the time was near my office building. Now I have to take the MRT because I lived a bit far that if I took a cab to and from work everyday, I'd spend almost P500 just for taxi fare alone.

The first few days were fine. I ride the MRT at the GMA station since Jan takes a cab to work. The train wasn't too crowded. I got off at Shaw station, walk through the Shang Mall and take a cab to work (just P35!). No sweat! But after a week, things changed. The train, suddenly, was always jam packed! I've missed a few train rides either because the train was too packed with people, or because the inconsiderate people inside wouldn't move or make way so that more passengers can come in. I swear, there were times that I have to shove my way through, especially when I see people who wouldn't give way, even when there's a considerable amount of space for more passengers.

I also noticed that people who are waiting at the station immediately try to go in the train as soon as the door opens, not waiting for people inside who are getting off to exit. Whenever this happens on my stop, I shove these people away. If they look at me at a bad way, I'd stare right back at them. Shoving may be rude but they deserve it. I mean, why can't they wait for people to get off so it will be easier for them to get in?

I don't get tired because of the commute, I get tired because of the people I commute with.

Man, I'm one hot headed commuter!

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Jan and I are now thinking of buying our own car, hopefully before the year ends and hopefully, after we have paid off most of our financial commitments, particularly the house that we bought. We really couldn't afford to buy a car right now, but God willing, if everything goes well this year, we may be able to afford it by the last quarter this year.

We really need it because of our new baby on the way and its really difficult to get around, not to mention expensive whenever we take a cab.

Maybe I should cut down on smoking and coffee so I can save a little . . .

Oh . . . I need to learn how to drive before we buy a car! hehehe

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Things are just getting a bit crazy for me at work. I bet that it'll be a lot crazier in the next few weeks. Good thing I'm a bit crazy too!

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Enjoy the weekend everyone!

:-)

all aboard!

Meron nakapag tanong saakin kung meron akong balak magtrabaho abroad. Actually, matagal nang natatanong ito sakin. Madalas, tanong ito ng mga kaibigan ko na may balak o nag-tratrabaho na sa ibang bansa. Normal na tanong sa ating mga Pinoy ito. Dahil nga naman sa nagyayari sa ating bansa ngayon. Lalong lumalala.

Noong mga unang beses akong natanong nyan, ang sagot ko lagi ay "Wala. Mas gusto ko dito. Tutal, maayos naman ang trabaho ko. Tsaka naniniwala ako na gaganda rin ang lagay nang bansa natin." Idealistic pa ko nun. Ganyan siguro talaga pag bata pa. Naisip ko din na sayang lang naman kung ibang bansa pa makikinabang sakin. Baka puwede pa ko mag contribute kahit papaano. Gusto ko rin naman makarating sa ibang bansa, pero mas gusto ko na bakasyonista lang ako.

Lumipas ang mga taon at nagbago rin ang sagot ko: "Wala, ok pa naman ako dito. Di pa naman ako gutom e.". Sabagay, Maayos naman ang trabaho at nakikita ko naman na yung career path na nakikita ko sa sarili ko ay dinadaanan ko naman. Pero medyo nararamdaman ko na ang pag-lala ng situwasyon sa bansa.

Dumaan nanaman ang mga taon. At ngayon, eto na ang sagot ko: " Iniisip ko. Pero dapat kasama ko ang pamilya ko.". Sabi ko nga sa asawa ko, buti pa mga tao sa commercial ni GMA, "ramdam ang pag-asenso". Noong nagsimula ako magtrabaho, ang una kong suweldo ay P6,000 kada buwan (circa 1998). Malayo ang nararating nang suweldo ko nun. Ngayon na mas malaki na suweldo ko, parang isang kanto lang ang nararating.

Ganun na ba kalala ngayon at napapaisip ako nang ganito?

Napanood ko yung inagurasyon ni Obama kagabi at nakita ko na masaya ang mga Amerikano. Parang naniniwala sila na may pagbabagong darating sa bansa nila. Na magiging ok na lahat. At bakit naman hindi, mukha naman ok yung bagong presidente nila. Marami syang gustong patunayan kaya siguradong lahat ay gagawin nya para ununlad ang bansa nila.

Dito? Parang wala na. Napanood ko rin yung Fertilizer Scam kahapon. Umamin yung supplier na P150/bottle lang ang benta nya sa fertilizer, pero ang pinalabas ng mga tao sa gobyerno ay P600/bottle ang binayaran nila. Kakaiba talaga ang kapal ng mukha ng mga taong ito. Pakiramdam ko ako ang ninanakawan dahil tapat ako magbayad ng buwis. Pera ko ang kinikik-back nila. Pera natin.

Nakakainggit yung mga taong napanood ko sa CNN. Masaya sila. Sigurado silang may bagong pag-asa na darating. Samantalang saatin, walang mapagpilian kung sino ang puwede na iboto sa susunod na eleksyon. Wala tayong tiwala sa mga tao sa gobyerno, na kung umasta ay parang mga hari. Nakalimutan nila na taong bayan ang naglagay sa kanila sa puwesto.

Sana huwag nang mag-bago ang pananaw ko. Sana hindi maging "Meron. Kahit di ko muna kasama pamilya ko, magtratrabaho ako sa ibang bansa." ang sagot ko sa tanong na ito. Sa totoo, lang bilib ako sa mga pinoy na nag -hihirap sa ibang bansa para mapakain ang pamilya nila. Taas kamay ko sa kanila. TAAS KAMAY KO SA INYO. Bilib ako kasi hindi ko yata kayang iwan ang pamilya ko dito. Siguradong mahihirapan ako at wala pa sigurong tatlong araw ay pabalik na ko sa pinas. Ngayon pa nga lang na si Sophie ay nasa mga in-laws ko dahil walang yaya hirap na ko e, pano kaya kung nasa ibang bansa ako na di ko kasama asawa at mga anak ko?

Sana lang may epekto yung nangyari sa Amerika sa atin. Sana kahit papaano ay maambunan tayo ng pag-asa. Sana magising ang mga tao sa gobyerno at mag-karoon ng konsensya.

Sana di ko KAILANGANING umalis ng bansa.

:-)

Belated Happy Birthday to Sophia

Happy 2nd Birthday Sophia Gabrielle Jugos Garcia!

1.16.09

Mommy and Daddy loves you very much!

Medyo late na pero oks lang hehe!

:-)

changes

Its just the start of the year and already there have been lots of changes for me already. From work to family life, a lot of things have been happening lately. Not that I wasn't expecting them. I've been aware of these changes for some time now and all I can say is, change is something that I welcome. Doesn't mean I always agree, but I'm always open to it. Imagine life without change. Wouldn't it be boring?

Funny how some people react to it. Most of us have negative reactions to change. Its normal. We are all creatures of habit and its always a bummer when we do something out of our daily routine. But I think, the way people handle changes defines who they are as a person. That's why I think that people who commit suicide because of problems, whatever they may be, are weak (sorry, but I really do).

Change is inevitable. Embrace it. Enjoy it.

:-)

Model Sophie

Heto si Sophia na nagbabasa ng dyaryo sa Camp John Hay. Yung binabasa naya ay dyaryo ng pinagtratrabahuan ng brother ko sa London. Kinuhanan si Sophie ng picture kasi may pabaon na assignment sa kanya ang mga bossing nya bago sya magbakasyon sa dito sa pinas last month. Kailangan daw nya kumuha ng mga pics ng mga tao na nagbabasa ng dyaryo nila, na gagamitin nila sa kanilang advertising campaign.

Balita ko na final list yung pic ni Sophie para ilabas sa campaign nila. At bakit naman hindi? Ang cute cute ng anak ko! hehe! Tignanan nyo naman, natural na natural! Parang nagbabasa lang talaga. Mana sa tatay, mukhang nagbabasa pero natutulog pala sa classroom hehehe!

Hhmmm . . . pwede kaya gawing print ad or commercial model ang baby ko? Pag na print yung pic na 'to sa London, baka sumikat si Sophie dun! Hehe


:-)

Friday na!

I'm so excited today kasi susunduin ko si Sophie from my in-laws after work. She's been there for one week and she'll be there every week until makakuha kami ng yaya. Its so sad going home knowing that she's not there. Minsan, nakakatamad umuwi. Kaya kami ni Jan tumatambay muna sa Trinoma (our new hang-out) before going home. For those of you who do not have kids yet, yes, its true na nakakatanggal ng pagod pag umuwi ka sa bahay tapos makikita mo baby mo.

I've been calling Sophie every day since Monday. Minsan nakakaawa kasi umiiyak sya when I say that I have to go and babye muna. Ang hirap pakinggan na umiiyak ang anak mo. Parang nakakaawa na nakakalungkot na di mo maiintindihan. Kahapon sabi daw ni Sophie kay Jan habang umiiyak "Mommy uwi na ko, ayaw mo na ko, ayaw mo na ko" (translation: Mommy uwi na ko, ayaw ko na dito, ayaw ko na dito). Nakakaawa di ba?

Buti nalang susunduin ko na sya mamaya. Bonding nanaman kami for sure!

:-)

wtf??

I think you guys may have heard about the Israeli - Palestinian war currently happening in the Gaza Strip. Hamas, a group that wants nothing but the destruction of Israel, started the conflict by virtue of their rocket launches targeting Israeli occupied territories in the strip. Now I see in the news that people are condemning Israel's attack on Hamas because of the collateral damages being inflicted on the Palestinians, with death and wounded tolls rising everyday.

My take on this?

Its Israels right to defend themselves. I think its just right and fair for them to defend their people. Hamas is a terrorist organization that uses terror tactics, including suicide tactics and they must be stopped. Its sad that civilian casualties are piling up, and I really feel for those people, especially for the women and children, but Hamas should have thought of them before picking a fight with the Israelis.

I'm throwing racial issues out of the window. I don't care if these people have been going at it since biblical times. Its just not right for one country to attack another country for idiotic reasons .

If I were on Israelis shoes I'd do the same. Hell, if I had a neighbor giving me crap everyday, I'd give 'em crap and then some!

**************

Another issue now in the news is the release of the "Alabang Boys", 3 young men caught in a drug-bust operation because of bribery. They were released because the prosecution dismissed the case because lack of evidence. There has been talk of bribery in the DOJ which resulted to the release of the "boys". People involved in the case are, or course, denying, although I seem to have heard the people fro PDEA saying that there was bribery and I saw their animated-telenovela-style-congressional inquiry on TV.

All I can say is . . . .

Of course there's bribery! Every Tom, Dick and Harry knows that JUSTICE can be bought in this country. Its just sad to see that the image of our police and military people, especially the ones who truly serve our country well, overshadowed and tarnished by incidents like this one.

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Its the year of the OX and I hope we get less BULLSHIT and more good things.

Man, I should really stop watching the news on TV . . .

:-)